New Jersey Devils: 3 Reasons To Sign Alex Pietrangelo, and 3 Reasons Not To

Reason Not To Sign Him #1: Losing Cap Space Flexibility

The Devils would likely have to pay at least what they are paying P.K. Subban to sign Pietrangelo in free agency this offseason. Let’s say Pietrangelo takes a seven year, $63 million contract. That puts another $9 million on the cap for the foreseeable future. The reality of the NHL right now is the salary cap isn’t going up every season like it was before. The coronavirus pandemic has taken a lot of the profits the league was seeing. Now, the CBA agreement says the NHL won’t see an increase on the $81.5 million salary cap until they hit $4.8 billion in revenue. Sure, the addition of Seattle and a new TV deal will help them in the next few years, but what if fans aren’t allowed back again next year? Then, that could lead to two more years at a flat cap.

So, the Devils will get relief in 2023 when Subban’s and Cory Schneider’s deals are done, making $15 million available just between the two. Even if the cap stays flat, the Devils only have Nico Hischier and Damon Severson signed after the 2023 offseason. That is just over $11 million in salary tied to the cap. Of course, there’s little chance players like Jack Hughes, Jesper Bratt, and Mackenzie Blackwood are going to be making a similar salary to what they are now. Also, the team will likely try to keep some of their other young players, like Jesper Boqvist and Pavel Zacha.

Again, putting an extra $9 million on the salary cap only takes away the flexibility the Devils have afforded themselves. Of course, what good is cap space if you never use it, but this is a risk. Every one of Pietrangelo’s years will be beyond 30. It will probably be the only signing or addition the Devils can make next season (they have $26 million, but also have to re-sign Jesper Bratt, Mackenzie Blackwood, and Joey Anderson). The price to get into the Pietrangelo sweepstakes is a hefty one.